8 April 2024

Key items of discussion and outcomes included:

• It is important producers note that "Sheep and goats born before 1 January 2025 DO NOT need an eID tag if sold or processed before 1 January 2027 – an NLIS visual tag will satisfy NLIS requirements for these animals."
• Current eID tag discount and eID tag rebate arrangements for producers
  • Members agreed advice on options relating to rebate for 'off-year' colours.
  • PIRSA will forward the advice to the Minister for consideration.
• Essential equipment requirements for producers
  • There was broad discussion on what a producer rebate should constitute.
  • PIRSA will further scope eligibility criteria including who can apply, what equipment and the level of rebate. A further paper will be provided to the IAC for review to inform the development of rebate guidelines.
• Essential equipment requirements for stock agents
  • Agents have specific NLIS recording and reporting obligations, which require scanning equipment.
  • Agents play an important role in the supply chain such as assisting producers with recording and uploading P2P movements and online auction purchases however it is still the purchaser's responsibility to ensure the movements on the database have taken place if a third party has facilitated the transfer on their behalf.
  • Agent representatives outlined it is essential that agents have scanning equipment for these purposes, and that eligibility requirements should account for the producer and agent relationship.
• Scanning dates for processors (1 January 2025), saleyards (1 July 2025) and P2P movements (1 January 2025) have been announced and the review of the Livestock Regulations 2013 is underway with amendments to be made by 1 January 2025.
• Communication and extension
  • Providing clear messaging about roles and responsibilities across the supply chain is essential.
  • The design of an expanded engagement and extension program is nearing completion and funding has been identified.
  • A range of communications and extension materials is being developed nationally and by each state and will be shared with IAC members.

Key items for discussion at the next meeting will include producer and agent rebates for essential equipment and infrastructure.

The next meeting of the Industry Advisory Committee is planned for mid-May 2024.